Travelling can be soo much fun! And sometimes you can be absolutely desperate to get away from home and every day life. However, there are times when you’re away and all you want is family and your bed. Homesickness while travelling can put a dampener on a trip, so let me show you how to manage it.
Be sure to check out my other helpful posts, like solo travel tips and tips for travelling with anxiety.
So without any further ado, let’s get into ways to overcome homesickness while travelling.
Pack a home comfort
This can range from a blanket to a photograph to a pair of shoes! Whenever you’re missing home, it is always comforting that makes you feel close to family and friends.
When I was younger, I would bring a pillow with me on every trip. Eventually I wore it down so much that the fabric just broke away.
Ask family or friends to write you a letter
Before I went away to Tanzania (my first big trip!), my parents wrote me 2 letters. One letter for the plane, and one for when I was experiencing homesickness. The letters provided more comfort than a text and I still have them now for when I’m feeling nostalgic.
Stay healthy
I will be writing a blog post on this, but check out this post in the mean time. It’s always a good idea to build up your immune system before you leave so take vitamins, exercise and get plenty of rest. Being ill when away from home makes my homesickness very bad, so I do what I can to minimise the risk.
Have a self care day
Sometimes when you feel like poo, you just need to let yourself wallow. Stock up with your favourite treats and watch movies for a whole afternoon.
However, try not to do this for too long because it can actually make you feel worse. Give yourself an afternoon, or one day at most, to catch up on sleep, browse social media and watch TV. Or you can go the extra mile and book in for a spa day .
Be social and make friends
I absolutely love making friends while I’m away. Not only do they encourage you to be spontaneous, but they are guaranteed to make you laugh. And do you know what laughing does? It chases away homesickness!
Making new friends can be very scary, and you have to have a certain level of bravery to speak with a stranger, but it’s so worth it. I found that staying in hostels makes socialising so much easier, especially in dorm rooms.
Keep busy
You won’t have a chance to feel homesick when you’re learning and exploring.
Sign up for a tour! Be it a walking tour, a castle tour, a pub crawl, anything! Not only do you learn about your destination, you can also meet new people with similar interests to you.
Go out and take photos, find hidden gems and make everyone on social media jealous.
Remind yourself how lucky you are!
This might not work for everyone. However, I found that reminding myself that what I’m doing is amazing really helped. I guess this is about your mindset, and looking at things positively.
A negative mindset is not good for anyone, and it’s basically fuel for homesickness. Be thankful for being where you are and try making the most of it.
Keep in touch with home
I usually end up having a quick phone call with my mum every day that I’m away. It’s just nice to feel in the loop and knowing that I’m not missing anything.
Also, send a postcard! I find that writing a postcard and updating people on where I am and what I’ve been doing makes me feel so much better. I think it reenforces the positive mindset I mentioned earlier.
Create a routine
Routine tends to remind people of home comforts and also allows for some stability, therefore reducing homesickness while travelling.
But having a routine while travelling can be difficult, so how can you do it? Think of your morning routine. What order do you do things in? Wake up, make bed, shower and breakfast? Or do you have breakfast and then shower? Whichever it is, try and replicate that while you’re away.
Take a break from social media
Social media can also make you feel like you’re not travelling ‘right’. You see influencers in the same place you are in these magnificent dresses and dreamy backdrops, but you take a photo and it’s not the same. I’m trying to say that being away from social media can stop you from comparing and make you feel better about where you are.
Take lots of photos
What is a better way of spending your time than taking tonnes of photos to your trip? Not only is it great for looking back on afterwards, but it’s perfect for staying active and keeping busy.
If you’re interested in wildlife photography then check out the Youtube video I made giving you loads of tips!
Have you got any tips to help with homesickness while travelling?
If so, leave them down below!
For more helpful posts, then check out this section of my blog!
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To be honest, I’ve never felt homesick while travelling but I am sure it’s something that can happen to anyone of us at any stage and I really like your idea of packing something comfortable along that can make one immediately feel connected to home. I had not considered what I would feel if I ever felt homesick and what would help me, this is an interesting read.
This is really useful post, I think after living 3 years abroad, I got used to it. But my heart breaks every time I visit family and when I’m going back home.
These are great tips! I hate feeling homesick while abroad/traveling in general so hopefully these help me!
Being home sick is so tough. I think your suggestions are very good and hopefully will help someone who is having a tough time.
I don’t reallt get homesick when I travel but these tips are really good for those who do. Staying in contact definitely helps. Thank you for sharing.
Homesickness is a thing when you travel and -trust me- even more when you’re an expat. All these points are really spot on! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t really get homesick, but I have to say that on holidays and birthdays I kind of miss the atmosphere at home. But I think the most important thing is definitely to stay in regular contact with friends and family back home.